Sunderland have to use this summer to get back to basics and if they do, they can return to the Premier League stronger, says Sebastian Larsson.

The Swedish midfielder could be one of those who falls by the wayside as his contract expires at the end of a disappointing campaign which will end in relegation to the Championship.

Larsson, who joined on a Bosman free transfer from Birmingham City in 2011, is one of eight senior players out of contract in addition to three loanees. Others will inevitably leave too.

As Larsson pointed out, the troubles which have seen the club fight relegation in every one of his seasons at the Stadium of Light extend beyond the first team.

“It’s a big chance to go back to basics and rebuild,” he said of relegation. “Clearly there has been a situation for many a year here. Maybe it’s a situation where there has been painting over the cracks and not really finding (solutions to) the proper problems that we have had. It’s an opportunity to rebuild. If the club does it in the right way they could come back stronger.

“The whole lot needs addressing from the players to further up. There are clearly issues why we have been down there, why have we not managed to kick on when we have had good endings to seasons. It’s a big summer. You have to look at it as though it is a big opportunity to get things right and hopefully bounce back at the first attempt.

“The issues need properly addressing in the summer. It’s not for me to say here, it’s for everyone connected to the club to look at. As players we are responsible for what happened on the pitch and we deserve (to be) where we are. I think everyone needs to look at it as an opportunity to get things right for the future.”

The club appointed a new chief executive last summer and chairman/owner Ellis Short has been looking to sell since Martin Bain arrived. Changes have been made at academy and recruitment level, and back office staff are currently going through a redundancy programme.

Larsson returned to the starting line-up for Saturday’s 2-0 defeat to Swansea City. Although the traditional “lap of appreciation” at the end of the final home game was abandoned, he was one of those who made a point of applauding the supporters afterwards.

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“It’s not the fans who have been on the pitch this season, we have had tremendous support throughout my six years here even though there have not been enough highlights,” he said. “They come in their swathes home and away. You have to thank them.

“They are a set of great fans that deserve Premier League football and unfortunately that’s not going to be the case next year, fingers crossed it will only be for one year because they deserve it.”

Manager David Moyes held talks with his out-of-contract players before the Swansea game but Larsson, who has again been linked with Fiorentina, was playing his cards close to his chest.

“Everyone knows my contract is up and I will decide my future during the summer,” he said.

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“I have enjoyed every season here which might seem strange, but I have. I am sure there will be discussions during the summer. Now is not the right time to talk about what the future holds, it’s not about me.

“It’s about the club and for the club to do the right things for Sunderland Football Club, to make sure they do the right things next year. My own situation will be discussed during the summer.”

Crystal Palace’s 4-0 win over Hull City confirmed Swansea’s place in next season’s Premier League.

Hull will join Middlesbrough and Sunderland in the Championship after a miserable campaign for our part of the country.

Unless the Black Cats avoid defeat at Arsenal on Tuesday they will be confirmed as finishing bottom of the table.